24% year-over-year decrease in toxic drug deaths: B.C. coroner
Dozens more people died from unregulated, toxic drugs in B.C. this April, the latest data from the BC Coroners Service shows.
The provincial coroner's preliminary data for April showed 182 people died from toxic drugs, which marked a 24 per cent year-over-year decrease. In April 2023, 239 toxic drug deaths were reported in the province.
B.C. first declared a public-health emergency over the issue in April 2016 and at least 14,582 people have died since then. So far this year, 763 people died from toxic drug overdoses.
"This is more than just a number as each person was irreplaceable to their families, friends, coworkers and neighbours," Minister of Mental Health and Addictions Jennifer Whiteside said in a statement.
"Each of these lives matters. There are not enough words to bring comfort to those who are grieving and to everyone in every corner of our province and across the country who has experienced a preventable loss of a loved one due to toxic drugs."
Provincial data shows unregulated drug toxicity is the leading cause of death among British Columbians between the ages of 10 to 59. Last month, the Coroners Service revealed 126 children and youth under the age of 19 died from toxic drugs between 2019 and 2023.
About 70 per cent of those who died in April were men, but officials say the death rate among women is increasing. In fact, since 2020, the figure has nearly doubled.
Vancouver, Surrey and the Greater Victoria area saw the most toxic drug deaths in April, followed closely by Prince George and Nanaimo, officials said.
B.C. appoints advisor
On Wednesday, Premier David Eby announced the appointment of B.C.'s first chief scientific adviser for psychiatry, toxic drugs and concurrent disorders. Dr. Daniel Vigo, who's a psychiatrist and a public health specialist, has a goal to improve care for people with complex mental-health and addiction challenges.
"For every overdose death, there are a number of overdose-related permanently injured brains," he said during a news conference.
"Overdose produces brain injury, and when that injury is severe enough to be diagnosed, preliminary evidence indicates that person has a 50 per cent chance of dying in the immediate future, and the survivors (have) an additional 30 per cent chance of dying in the near future."
Vigo will work alongside the provincial health officer, health authorities, Indigenous partners and people with lived experience to review data and best practices from other areas.
"He'll advise us on new tools and give us advice to help this very specific group of people so they get the help they need, and our communities are safe and healthy for everyone," Eby said Wednesday.
With files from The Canadian Press
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Donald Trump says he urged Wayne Gretzky to run for prime minister in Christmas visit
U.S. president-elect Donald Trump says he told Canadian hockey legend Wayne Gretzky he should run for prime minister during a Christmas visit but adds that the athlete declined interest in politics.
Historical mysteries solved by science in 2024
This year, scientists were able to pull back the curtain on mysteries surrounding figures across history, both known and unknown, to reveal more about their unique stories.
King Charles III focuses Christmas message on healthcare workers in year marked by royal illnesses
King Charles III used his annual Christmas message Wednesday to hail the selflessness of those who have cared for him and the Princess of Wales this year, after both were diagnosed with cancer.
Mother-daughter duo pursuing university dreams at the same time
For one University of Windsor student, what is typically a chance to gain independence from her parents has become a chance to spend more time with her biggest cheerleader — her mom.
Thousands without power on Christmas as winds, rain continue in B.C. coastal areas
Thousands of people in British Columbia are without power on Christmas Day as ongoing rainfall and strong winds collapse power lines, disrupt travel and toss around holiday decorations.
Ho! Ho! HOLY that's cold! Montreal boogie boarder in Santa suit hits St. Lawrence waters
Montreal body surfer Carlos Hebert-Plante boogie boards all year round, and donned a Santa Claus suit to hit the water on Christmas Day in -14 degree Celsius weather.
Canadian activist accuses Hong Kong of meddling, but is proud of reward for arrest
A Vancouver-based activist is accusing Hong Kong authorities of meddling in Canada’s internal affairs after police in the Chinese territory issued a warrant for his arrest.
New York taxi driver hits 6 pedestrians, 3 taken to hospital, police say
A taxicab hit six pedestrians in midtown Manhattan on Wednesday, police said, with three people — including a 9-year-old boy — transported to hospitals for their injuries.
Azerbaijani airliner crashes in Kazakhstan, killing 38 with 29 survivors, officials say
An Azerbaijani airliner with 67 people onboard crashed Wednesday near the Kazakhstani city of Aktau, killing 38 people and leaving 29 survivors, a Kazakh official said.